Question

the table below shows four pairs of atoms and the electric charge of each atom. the atoms in each pair are located the same distance from each other

pair	atom a	atom b
x	-6	-1
y	+9	+1
z	-3	-2

which pair of atoms is experiencing the strongest electric force?

a. pair w

b. pair x

c. pair y

d. pair z

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Coulomb's Law

The electric force \( F \) between two charges is given by \( F = k\frac{|q_1q_2|}{r^2} \), where \( k \) is a constant, \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are the charges, and \( r \) is the distance between them. Since the distance \( r \) is the same for all pairs, the magnitude of the force depends on the product \( |q_1q_2| \).

Step2: Calculate the product \( |q_1q_2| \) for each pair

• Pair W: \( |(+1)(+5)| = |5| = 5 \)
• Pair X: \( |(-6)(-1)| = |6| = 6 \)
• Pair Y: \( |(+9)(+1)| = |9| = 9 \)
• Pair Z: \( |(-3)(-2)| = |6| = 6 \)

Step3: Compare the products

The largest product is 9 (for Pair Y), so Pair Y experiences the strongest electric force because the force is proportional to the product of the magnitudes of the charges when the distance is constant.

Answer:

C. Pair Y